When it comes to breast implants, you can choose saline or silicone. Both will offer you the same look, and they’re also approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration).
We’ll now look into all you need to know about silicone and saline breast implants so that you can decide which breast implant is better.
Silicone Implants
The silicone implants are made using only silicone, which is a synthetic material that feels similar to human fat. The breast implant has a silicone case, and it will be filled using silicone gel. Neither the saline or silicone implants are permanent options.
There are different shapes and sizes. Some implants will be firmer and more cohesive compared to others. You need to coordinate with the plastic surgeon every step of the way so that you can pick the right type of silicone implant in terms of shape and size.
Many people think silicone implants have a more natural appearance, and they feel more normal. Nonetheless, they pose a huge risk if they rupture. The manufacturer recommends an MRI every few years to determine whether there is a rupture. If you opt for silicone implants, liaise with your doctor about everything, including the screenings and how often they should be carried out.
To undergo breast implant surgery, you need to be 22 years old and above for silicone implants. The surgeons usually make exceptions when it comes to breast reconstruction. Keep in mind that although it is legal to get breast implants made of silicone even when you’re below 22 years of age, there are manufacturers who can’t heed the warranty if the patient is younger.
Saline Implants
The saline implants have been in use since the 60s. The implants have an outer shell that has been made using silicone. The shell will be inserted while it’s empty. It will then be filled using sterile salt water, which means the incision site will be less noticeable since it will be smaller. Saline implants are somewhat more expensive compared to silicone implants.
The only issue is that some people report that the saline implants can be easily seen under your skin. Rippling will also take place because of the sterile saltwater. Saline implants that are baffled are highly recommended since the sterile salt water will be dispersed into different chambers. The water can’t move fast, which means you won’t experience rippling. The saline implants can be used on women who have attained the age of 18 years.
Which Implant is Safer than the Other?
The silicone and saline implants are safe. You only need to ensure the breast implant surgery will be carried out by a board-certified and reputable surgeon. Some people believe that saline implants are more safe considering when the implant ruptures, the sterile salt water will be reabsorbed by the body. Also, those with saline implants will immediately know whether the implant has ruptured, and they can take the necessary precautions immediately.
Some studies have been carried out, and there is a correlation between autoimmune diseases and silicone implants. The autoimmune diseases, in this case, include lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. Both silicone and saline implants have silicone shells. If you happen to be suffering from an autoimmune disorder, you need to avoid breast implants since they will worsen your condition.
Some women end up suffering from breast implant illness. The symptoms will vary from chronic headaches, fatigue, gastrointestinal symptoms, and brain fog. There is no concrete evidence to support the claims of breast implant illness; however, there are patients who have reported that they felt better after their implants were removed.
What Will Happen When the Breast Implant Ruptures
The silicone and saline implants can rapture. Here’s what you should do if any of these implants rupture.
Silicone
· It is hard to detect when the silicone implant ruptures since the silicone has been trapped in a capsule that is fibrous in nature.
· If you fail to attend to the matter, the leaking silicone gel will result in breast pain. Your breasts will then change their shape.
· You’ll notice some changes in the size of your breasts when the implant ruptures.
· The implants are supposed to last for at least 15 years before they can rupture.
· You need to undergo surgery for the ruptured implants to be removed. New implants can be inserted after that.
Saline
· Saline implants are sterile, and when they rupture, the water will be absorbed back into your body.
· You’ll notice there is a rupture right away since the breast will appear to be deflated.
· You need to undergo surgery, and the silicone shell will be removed. During the surgery, the surgeon can go ahead and insert new implants.
Cost Comparison
Insurance doesn’t cover breast implants since they’re considered to be under elective cosmetic surgery. The implants are also not permanent. Some people will want them removed or replaced.
Silicone implants will cost more compared to saline implants. The breast implant procedure will cost at least $12,000. For silicone implants, you’ll have to pay $1,000 more compared to saline implants. Also, you need to make a follow-up after the breast implant surgery. You’ll need to go for an MRI to determine whether the breast implants have ruptured.
Neither the saline or silicone implants are permanent options. Some people have had their implants removed because of aesthetic reasons or ruptures; the removal surgery is not covered by health insurance in most cases.
Before you undergo such a procedure, you need to ensure that your goals are realistic. Request the surgeon to give you the before and after photos of patients who have had breast implants before. Upon viewing these photos, you can then determine which size and shape of the breast implants suits you best.
